This is a vehicle, human-powered and electric assisted,
capable of being fully weatherized, primarily for use at slow
speeds, within urban transport systems. It is 48” wide x 108” high x
120” long, 1/8 the size of a city bus and capable of carrying a like
number of passengers, given the used space. Both arm and leg power
can be applied, together or individually, along with a
battery-assist motor. Persons in wheelchairs can load smoothly and
ride as passengers, and also steer and propel the vehicle using
their arms as well. This might even be
considered a wheelchair, with passenger (including another
wheelchair) capacity, and weather protection. The fact that it can
also be operated by those not confined to wheelchairs does not
negate this definition.

Can be maximally open, partially closed, or totally enclosed,
for privacy or against inclement weather. Coverings provide improved
creature comfort, health protection and adaptability to actual
conditions. Keeping its essential openness preserves the identity of
this craft as a cycle, minimal by intent. Other goals here include:

Encouraging a more social biking experience in contrast with
the current solitary one, by using cooperative riding and
multi-person propulsion as an available and effective tool.

Finding another way to define "neighborhoods", through deep
knowledge of residents, services, businesses and history, and giving expression to it through postings and an
actual, highly visible object, moving regularly through these spaces

Creating completely public and fully accessible transport,
for kids, wheelchair users, the financially insecure and temporarily
lost

Using this means to provide a path to some of our other most
serious needs, for a guide, employment, a roof, a way to find help

Developing entrepreneurial opportunities while demanding high
standards for their operations and fair compensation

Giving us an example of Omni-modality, truly economical use
of resources and flexibility in their use

Enabling changes of posture, from elevated sitting to
standing, for improved health and comfort

Providing an example of the role of arm power in mobilization
and its advantages

BeeTeaThe Bike Trolley

An Enterprise & A Tie to Help to Bind Us

Local, safe, high-quality, fully-accessible and affordable
human-scale and human-powered transport, would be a welcome feature
in any urban environment sufficiently dense to sustain it. An
established half-hour to one hour route would invariably include a
great many street-side enterprises, as well as many individuals
living alongside, who also have services of value to offer their
neighbors. This vehicle, assuming a ten person capacity, has a
multitude of potential uses:

As a mobile office or classroom

Delivery service

Job board

Local newsstand

Available space expertise

Guide to local and public resources

Provider of small samples of fare being offered by adjacent
food suppliers

A healthy variety of opportunities for positive social
experiences and destinations

Steering, braking, and providing arm-power to the front
wheel, are accomplished together. This requires an adjustable
“elbow” to be provided so that the angle of the hand mechanism can
be varied from one position, in steps, parallel to the ground to
others, one virtually perpendicular to the ground. This allows a
person in a wheelchair, with use of their arms, to operate the
vehicle. Another person may stand while operating.

Two pedalers, propelling the vehicle together, can be
seated alongside one another at different heights. One person must
use the hand controls for steering and braking and propulsion and,
if they prefer, may also use the foot pedals. The second person may
use only the foot pedals, except on a long straightaway, when both
operators may choose to use arm power together. Each is provided a
separate system of pedals, chains, sprockets etc., so that each can
pedal at their own pace. Energy is sent to a jack-shaft beneath the
floor, which then sends the energy to the back wheel. A single
pedaler can sit, or stand, on one side, or in the center, operating
both sets of pedals simultaneously. The seating element can be
unscrewed and stored the wall when not in use, when a person in a
wheelchair is operating, or when the operator is standing and has no
use for it.

The back door ramp is used when loading wheelchairs from
the street. This 6’ long ramp provides a rise of 6”, so this
conforms to ADA requirements that an optimal rise of 1” per foot be
maintained. This ramp angle continues for 1’ 6” within the vehicle,
in order to provide this much additional space underneath the
vehicle as ground clearance. Ramp is enclosed within a hinged door,
in the rear of the vehicle. Hinged doors can be used, unaided, by
passengers. Ramps require the intervention of the operator for
maximum safety.

There are also two 32” high doors on the sides, with a
ramp within each, piano hinged to the bottom of the door, that are
meant to rest on the sidewalk. All have a minimum of 32” opening to
meet the requirements of the ADA. (Developing this system fully will
provide for motorized cables, combined with a more unique device,
which allows for combining muscle moving with a gentle electric
assist. This parallels electric-assist motors used in the vehicle’s
propulsion system). Meanwhile, this can be operated conventionally.

A 40”, round, electric-propelled turntable, operated
either by cellphone or conveniently-located-switches, flush with the
floor, enables side-loading wheelchair passengers to rotate
themselves until facing the desired direction. Can also be used by
seated passengers, who would be positioned, in a variety of
potential floor implant points, according to their preference, to
most enjoy the slow rotation.

It can use GPS and other online features to give
potential users a good idea of where on its route it is, and when it
might arrive.

Like pups, can use fire hydrants as some of its “stops”,
but street hails are also allowed.

A 6” x 44” panel is suspended at the roofline above the
foot pedals. It contains two rear-view mirrors, one from each side,
provided electronically and readings of battery life, temperature,
time etc. Front of unit has headlights, destination sign, vacancy
status etc.

Operator can adjust the proportion of energy being
provided by the motor.

Some heat can be made available from batteries through
tubes as warm, lightly scented air, or heated seat cushions.

Wi-Fi is provided along with phone charging and other
amenities.

Top cover is accomplished with rolled up plastic roofs,
secured by straps, while rigid clear polycarbonate panels act as
windows. Roof materials, whether transparent or shading opaque, are
held taut with Velcro, for rain and wind resistance, when deployed.

Fold-away counter can be provided for office-type use/
food and drink consumption.

Some privacy can be afforded through the use of two-way
plastic window shades.

Seating for passengers is provided by a set of
artist-decorated, foam cushion-covered, aluminum seats, that are
stored in the wall, above the wheel wheels and out of the way. They
are mounted on adjustable aluminum and PVC stems, have low clear
plastic backs and sides and seat belts. Receptacles, in different
places inside the floor, permit various locations for seats to be
screwed in, so riders can be next to or across from one another.

Can be used to move cargo as well as passengers, provides
easy hand-truck access.

Due to its relative light weight, narrowness, height and
large surface areas, this vehicle can not be used in heavy winds and
an anemometer and audible alarm will be provided to demand that
these higher-placed elements be folded down, onto the roof, at
times.

“Fat tires” will be included for better suspension. Other
shock-absorbing elements, neoprene blocks, springs etc., will be
provided to improve the comfort of passengers.

Conspicuous signage will alert users to the state (Locked
or not, etc.) of the electrically-connected turntable, back ramp or
any other potentially hazardous mechanisms, to help enable the safe
use of this equipment, and, of course, only by authorized
individuals.

Drivers may also choose to be held comfortably, slightly
aloft, by adjustable straps, fastened to and stored in the roof,
instead of resting on a conventional seat. This can facilitate the
use of both arm and leg-powered activity, while virtually standing.

Lighting, based on improving safety, will provide
conspicuous directionals and braking signals, but will also be used
to attract beneficial attention and announce its presence. The
embedding and programming of many LEDs enable changes of physical
character of this vehicle from festive and colorful, to sedate and
relaxing, depending upon requirements, appropriateness and passenger
preference. This is also a means to let possible customers know of
the route, the availability of space and the current rate.

Historical information relating to the fixed route can be
accessed through app, website and publications carried within.

Music from local musicians can be played, at times,
through the vehicle’s sound system.

Maximum speed is 12.5 mph, 50% of NYC’s limit.

8” wide, 36” long “boards” on the back of vehicles, fold
against the body when not in use, and may provide for more riders,
when such additional capacity is required by existing conditions and
can be done safely.